Q I'm having a surprise wedding. The guests think they're coming to an engagement party, but we're going to have a ceremony instead. It's going to be a really small wedding, and ideally I'd like an unorthodox dress that I can wear again. It can't be entirely white: I don't want to give the game away too soon. I'm 5ft 7in, straight up and down, and size eight. Niamh, Cavan

A A friend of mine went to a similar event last week. It turned out that the happy couple had been married in Las Vegas several months before. The groom's parents wept bitter tears. The couple gave customised gambling chips as souvenirs.

Let’s ensure yours goes more smoothly. With a few weeks to go, it’s best to buy off the rack. As you are slim and relatively tall, you’ll be spoiled for choice. However, you don’t give style preferences or a budget, so I’ll give you a few options.

This Dolce & Gabbana brocade dress lifts bridal white out of any incipient blandness and can be worn again.

Metallic materials will draw attention without blowing your cover. This Dries van Noten dress is beautiful and will last beyond trends.

This full-length Halston Heritage gown has a low back and a dramatic Cruella de Vil quality. Or, if you can get a dressmaker to do it quickly, you could browse vintage bridal patterns (Etsy.com has some great options) and have a dress made up in your fabric and colour of choice.

(L-R) Floral brocade dress by Dolce & Gabbaba, €1,850. Monochromatic Halston Heritage, €650. Dries Van Noten dress, €2,970 at mytheresa.com

Email your wardrobe woes to wardrobing@irishtimes.com